Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Instructions: How to Make Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This stuffed pepper casserole comes together quickly and easily. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

If you haven’t already cooked your rice, start by preparing 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or any rice of your choice. For a lower-carb version, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. Simply sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil for a few minutes until tender.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and chopped onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Add the diced bell peppers and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Season the mixture with oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine with Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir until the rice is evenly distributed and the entire mixture is heated through.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef, rice, and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend—whatever you prefer or have on hand.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden. If you prefer a crispy, golden top, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes (just be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn).

Step 8: Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it into squares and serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Use different meats: While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or even ground chicken for a leaner option. You could also use ground sausage for added flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply omit the meat and use a plant-based protein, like lentils or black beans, and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Add more veggies: You can mix in additional vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini to make the casserole even more hearty and nutritious.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Make it ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. It also freezes well—just make sure to cover it tightly with foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, just add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

What to Serve with Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This casserole is a filling, one-dish meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with some sides, here are a few ideas:

• Simple Green Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something bready, serve this casserole with a slice of garlic bread or a warm crusty roll.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans would complement the flavors of the casserole perfectly.
• Sautéed Spinach or Kale: For an extra boost of greens, sauté spinach or kale with a bit of olive oil and garlic.

Conclusion: A Simple, Flavorful Dinner

This Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole is the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines all the elements of traditional stuffed peppers but in a much more convenient and time-saving way. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option, a meal prep recipe, or a crowd-pleasing casserole for a gathering, this stuffed pepper casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s delicious, satisfying, and, best of all, easy to make!